* Oldest Inscriptions: The earliest known inscriptions in Kannada date back to the 5th century CE, found in the Halmidi inscription. This inscription is considered a landmark in the history of Kannada.
* Ancient Literature: The 9th century CE saw the emergence of important Kannada literary works, notably the Kavirajamarga by Amoghavarsha I, which is considered the first significant Kannada text.
* Evolution Over Time: The language has continued to evolve over centuries, influenced by various factors such as cultural exchange, political changes, and linguistic interactions.
Therefore, while we can't definitively state an age, the origins of Kannada can be traced back to the 5th century CE, with its literary development flourishing in the 9th century CE.